Orangutans, then off to Bako

October 30th (Sunday)

Almost on a whim, I head off to Semengoh Orang-Utan Rehabilition Center. The 21 apes were rescued from poachers or owners and are taught to be introduced back into nature. Mostly allowed to wander freely around the park, the orang-utans are only readily visible during feeding times, and even then only a few are seen. I get lost (again) on my way there because the bus driver didn't know where I should get off. I also get lost on the way back because the trails go into dead-ends and I eventually have to jump over a creek with rotten bamboo and crawl through a hole in the fence. But, the orangutans are majestic animals. Quite worth it.



I catch a bus and hire the last bus to Bako. My boat driver, Kipli (aka Jet Li), is really sweet and has a great toothless smile. In Bako, I am immediately greeted by monkeys and the bearded pigs. The monkeys are cute at first, but are in reality vicious and horrible little buggers. More on that tomorrow!

But, before that, I have to tell you about the absolutely fabulous sunset. Even though the sun was off to the left, the sky and the clouds and the water were simply wonderful.